The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating a shooting involving the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Friday night that led to one officer being injured.

At the request of 14th Judicial District Attorney General Craig Northcott, TBI special agents are investigating the circumstances that led to an officer-involved shooting Friday night in Coffee County.

Preliminary information indicates that at around 7:45 p.m., deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for Eric Thurman (DOB 9/18/1982). They located him in a tent in the 400 block of Spring Circle in the Lakewood Community. For reasons still under investigation, Thurman cut a deputy in his chest and in his hand with a machete. Another deputy discharged his firearm, striking Thurman. Deputies rendered first aid to Thurman who was later pronounced deceased. The deputy was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement. 

The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and instead refers questions of that nature to the respective department to answer as it sees fit.

Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin issued the following statement

“The dreaded call on a radio no one ever wants to hear came over the air last night while we were working a warrants operation in Lakewood Park(shots fired officer down). Ol Butch is tough! He has been through a lot in his time as a law man in Coffee County. He didn’t have to be out with us last night but he is going to be with the men and women of our department whenever he can. He is cut up real good from defending off a crazy assailant with a 3ft machete.

“Sgt. Investigator Ray “Butch” Stewart, Investigator Alex Bell and Sgt Matt Miller were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a man on Spring Circle in Lakewood Park Beechgrove, Coffee County. The man came at and struck Sgt. Stewart with a machete a number of times in the chest area and outer left hand. The left hand received the worst blow from the attacker due to Ray defending himself. Sgt. Miller was able to neutralize this attack quickly. Many other members of Coffee County Sheriff’s Office were close by and extracted Sgt. Stewart from the scene and transported him directly to the hospital in Manchester. Remaining personal rendered cpr and all available lifesaving measures to the individual until EMS could arrive.

“He did not survive.

“The TBI and District Attorneys office were notified and responded to the scene to investigate this incident.

“This is our job. This is what we do. This is what we signed on for. We take the oath to protect and serve. This is exactly what happened. This is exactly what we will continue to do!

“To you good law abiding citizens of the Lakewood community.

“We are committed to you and we will continue working together to ensure that you’re neighborhood is removed of those who are wanted and those who are committing crimes.
Yes, the last three officer involved shooting have been in this community with the last one just 8 days ago.

“Again, we are committed to you and we will use all the tools and resources we have available to remove this toxic environment in your community.

“Please continue to pray for a quick recovery for Sgt. Stewart as he heals.

“Remember Sgt. Matt Miller and Inv. Alex Bell as we continue to support them and their families.

“I want to thank Manchester and Tullahoma Police Department for their support and dedication to us in Coffee County. I have great partners in them.”